[Computerized barcode operational system for package of surgical instruments in operating room]

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Medical Informatics
• Surgical Operations

Background:

• Nosocomial infections cause approximately 8,000 deaths annually in Taiwan.
• Inadequate sterilization of medical equipment poses a significant risk to patient safety in operating rooms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance operating room management through data collection and analysis.
• To improve patient care and safety by optimizing medical equipment management.
• To increase operational efficiency and reduce equipment-related costs.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a computerized barcode operational system for surgical instrument packages.
• System-wide execution across an entire operating room.
• Data collection and analysis to monitor key performance indicators.

Main Results:

• Average search time for surgical instruments decreased by 2,872 minutes per month (150% of target).
• Computerized monitoring of equipment expiration dates reduced total costs by 29.2%.
• Abnormal recognition of equipment tags was reduced to 0%.

Conclusions:

• The computerized barcode system effectively improved operating room management.
• This project represents a novel, world-first approach to surgical instrument and equipment management.
• The implemented system enhances patient safety, operational efficiency, and cost reduction.